THE WALL OF FACES

Dear PFC Federico Alaniz Jr, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, Sir

Curt Carter

There is a lot wrong with the Vietnam portion of this Remembering our Own account.. I was a medic with C 1/46 and my company participated in the same action. There was no LZ Mary Ann at the time, it was not created until February of 1970. The 1/46th had been operating from LZ Professional since March of 1969. Bravo Company was moving in position to cooperate with Charlie Company at the base of Hill 270, about four klicks east SE of Professional. They came under heavy mortar fire which killed three men, including Federico and wounded more than 20, including all but one of its medics. Charlie Company then closed with Bravo to help them move to a safe area to evacuate the wounded.

Federico Alaniz Jr.
Federico Alaniz Jr. was the oldest of the six children of
Federico and Juanita Alaniz. Born in Mercedes, Texas, on
March 11, 1948, Federico Jr. spent his first seven years in
Texas with his brother Robert and sisters Esmeralda, Teresa,
Rosa and Leticia, before moving to Watsonville in 1955.
Upon arrival in the Pajaro Valley he was enrolled in the
E. A. Hall School where he remained until 1964 when he
Entered Watsonville High School as a freshman. Federico
Did not finish high school but chose instead to enter the
Work force. He was employed by a local nursery and in the
fields driving a truck.
Alaniz received his draft notice in April 1968, and in
May reported to Fort Lewis, Washington, to begin his basic
and advanced individual training. On September 22, he
reported to Fort Riley, Kansas, where he joined the 21st
Infantry Division as a senior wireman. He was then assigned
to a brief tour of duty in Germany before being deployed to
Vietnam.
Private Alaniz reported to Company B, 1st Battalion,
46th Infantry Division on April 27, 1969, and was attached
to the 196/198 Lt. Infantry Regiment stationed in Quang
Tin province. In March 1969, his unit moved to Landing
Zone Professional in the mountains southwest of Tien
Phuoc. There they conducted patrols in the vicinity of Firebase
Maryann. During a patrol on June 13, 1969, Company
B came under small arms gunfire that took the life of Private
First Class Federico Alaniz Jr.
His body was returned; however, his final resting-place
has not been identified. His awards include the Bronze Star
and Purple Heart.
Source
Remembering our Own
The Santa Cruz County Military Roll of Honor 1861-2010
By Robert L Nelson
The Museum of Art & History @ The McPherson Center
2010
Page 234

Federico is buried at Watsonville, Catholic Cemetery, Watsonville, CA. BSM PH

FOREVER REMEMBERED

"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you....and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.....Be not ashamed to say you loved them....
Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own....And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heros you left behind...."

Quote from a letter home by Maj. Michael Davis O'Donnell
KIA 24 March 1970. Distinguished Flying Cross: Shot down and Killed while attempting to rescue 8 fellow soldiers surrounded by attacking enemy forces.

We Nam Brothers pause to give a backward glance, and post this remembrance to you, one of the gentle heros lost to the War in Vietnam:

Slip off that pack. Set it down by the crooked trail. Drop your steel pot alongside. Shed those magazine-ladened bandoliers away from your sweat-soaked shirt. Lay that silent weapon down and step out of the heat. Feel the soothing cool breeze right down to your soul ... and rest forever in the shade of our love, brother.

From your Nam-Band-Of-Brothers